Apparatus for voice communications over wired and wireless networks

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a computer telephony device with a telephone line distribution system. The invention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony and connected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones, fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs access to a telephone line. Priorities for telephone line usage by the equipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can be set by the user via software selection. The invention can work in digital and analog environments, and if necessary, perform digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on, claims priority to and incorporates byreference a U.S. Provisional Application dated Apr. 22, 1999, entitled“Point Card”, Provisional Patent Application No. 60/130,545 to Delaine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention herein is related to computers, and particularly tocomputer telephony.

2. Description of Related Art

Companies usually have several pieces of office equipment that arecritical to their operations. This equipment includes telephones, faxmachines, answering machines and computers with modems. A commonrequirement of this equipment is telephone lines. Companies usuallyconnect each piece of equipment to a dedicated telephone line so thatthe equipment can operate independently and simultaneously. Thisconfiguration results in maximum flexibility and efficiency of companyoperations.

Many large companies have sophisticated telephone networks to supportsuch office equipment. However, in the Small Office Home Office (SOHO)environment where the financial resources and the number of telephonelines are limited, connection of the equipment has often meantcompromises in flexibility, utility and efficiency.

Many SOHO environments have 2 or 3 telephone lines available for use.Since the telephone system usually takes priority, 1 or 2 telephonelines are dedicated to it. This usually means that the rest of theoffice equipment shares a telephone line. To enable telephone linesharing, many businesses use a device called a “Fax Switch”. An exampleof a Fax Switch is the Radio Shack Model AFX-400 Three-Device Home FaxSwitch. This device has a facility to connect a telephone line to atelephone, a computer modem, a fax machine, and an answering machine.For incoming calls, this device analyzes the incoming call on thetelephone line and automatically routes the call to the appropriatepiece of equipment. For out going calls, this device provides theequipment with access to the telephone line. This device is beneficialbecause it allows all of the equipment to operate on a telephone line.The problem with this configuration is that when one piece of equipmentis in use, the remaining equipment cannot be used. This lack offlexibility is often frustrating to many small businesses, especiallywhen a business opportunity requires simultaneous operations. Somecompanies address the problem by changing the telephone line connectionsso that the desired operations can be performed. However, this processis cumbersome and often comes at the expense of other equipmentoperation.

The modem industry has attempted to provide a solution by integratingdata, voice, fax and answering machine functions into a single device.However, the computer modem has disadvantages similar to the fax switch.The modem usually operates on one telephone line and is thus limited inthe functions that it can perform simultaneously. Currently, with theproper telephone line service connected, the modem can simultaneouslyperform voice telephony and a data connection, to the Internet forexample. This restriction could be resolved by the use of multiplemodems, however, this solution has a redundancy and complexity ofoperation that is not practical for most small businesses. In addition,the computer modem offers little or no connectivity to other pieces ofoffice equipment. The computer modem does provide some level ofintegration of equipment functions onto a telephone line, however itsinability to perform the required office operations simultaneouslyindicates that it is not the optimum solution.

With no practical alternatives, many small companies continue to usetelephones for voice communications and fax switches for their officeequipment. What is needed is a device that provides multiple telephoneline management and device connectivity such that office operations canbe performed efficiently and simultaneously through the availabletelephone lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principles of the invention, there is provided acomputer telephony device with a telephone line distribution system. Theinvention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony andconnected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones,fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs accessto a telephone line. Priorities for telephone line usage by theequipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can be setby the user via software selection. The invention can work in digitaland analog environments, and if necessary, perform digital-to-analog andanalog-to-digital conversions.

The invention herein is a computer telephone line distribution system.The invention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony andconnected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones,fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs accessto a telephone line. The invention can accommodate several telephonelines and pieces of equipment. Priorities for telephone line usage bythe equipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can beset via software.

The invention can take the form of a peripheral card that can be addedto a computer or on the fly) or be built into and made an integral partof a computerized system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will beappreciated more fully from the following further description thereof,with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a device according to the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a connection setup screen according to the principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 shows an outgoing call setup screen according to the principlesof the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an incoming call setup screen according to the principlesof the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a peripheral card according to the principles of theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a communication line information setup screen according tothe principles of the invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a remote unit according to the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention herein provides a multi-function peripheral device thathas connection facilities for telephone lines and equipment which usestelephone lines. FIG. 1 shows a computer card 1 according to theinvention, with connection points 3 for external connections. Severalconnection points are shown in an exploded view 4 as connection points5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The connection points can receive RJ-11 typeconnectors, which is the standard for most telephone line accessingequipment.

In an embodiment of the invention, telephone lines may be connected toconnection points 5 and 6, devices may be connected to connection points7 and 8, and a telephone base may be connected to connection point 9.Each RJ-11 type connection provides four wire contacts. With the use ofa Y-adapter, two pieces of equipment can connect at each connectionpoint. Thus, in this embodiment, the invention may accommodate fourtelephone lines, four devices, and two telephone bases.

The invention can accept a variety of telephone lines. The telephonelines can carry analog or digital signals. The telephone lines canoperate on a variety of networks including Public Switch TelephoneNetwork (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), SymmetricDigital Subscriber Line (SDSL), Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line(ADSL), or any other Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL). Optionally, theinvention can accept a variety of other communication lines, includingPrivate Branch Exchange (PBX), Analog and Digital (Hybrid), Cable, FiberOptic, and Ethernet. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, thecommunication lines and telephone lines that can connect to a connectionpoint according to the invention will be generically referred to as“communication lines”. As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, a device according to the invention may be fitted with a suitableconnector type to accommodate a desired communication line.

The invention can be configured to the communication lines via software.FIG. 2 shows a software configuration screen for communication lines 1,2, 3, and 4 which may be set by menus 20, 21, 22 and 23, respectively.Optionally, the user can activate an auto detection system for thecommunication lines via buttons 24, 25, 26 and 27, respectively.

A device according to the invention can accept connection of devicesthat can include telephones, fax machines, modems, answering machines,satellite dish control units, alarm systems, or any combination thereof,or any other device that requires access to a communication line. Asshown in FIG. 2, each of these devices can be configured via software.For example, “Device 1” can be identified by entering a device type 28,a model 29, and a manufacturer 30. Optionally, the user can activate anauto detection system for the connected device via a button 31. Or,optionally, a device according to the invention can go into an autodetection mode as soon as the device is plugged in. In order to aid autodetection, an identification chip can be included in a connected deviceso that it can be identified more easily.

A device according to the invention can be fitted with circuitry toperform telephony operations. Telephony operational codes are specifiedby TAPI and the Hayes Computer AT Command Set. Additionally, U.S. Pat.No. 5,802,152 describes telephony circuits and controlling software.These technologies are well known to a person of reasonable knowledgeand ordinary skill, so there will be little attempt to restate themhere. The telephony audio signals can be made to pass through acomputer's audio sound card, or through a connected telephone base.Optionally, a device according to the invention can be fitted with acamera so that video conferencing functions can be performed.

The setup screen in FIG. 2 can be used to configure the invention foroperation on a PBX or Hybrid telephone system. The invention can havefour methods for adapting to these various systems: 1) The invention canhave a dedicated hardware design to operate on a limited number ofsystems; 2) The invention can poll the telephone system's control unitwith the necessary signals to determine the telephone system; 3) Theinvention can be configured for a specific telephone system via softwaredriver; or 4) The invention can be trained for use on a telephone systemby the user picking up the telephone handset and pushing the buttons ontelephone base as prompted by software according to the invention. Onceproperly configured, a system according to the invention can performtelephony and signal conversions for operation of connected devices.Manual selection of telephone operation may be provided in the setupscreen, as shown by a “Telephone 1” menu 32, and a “Telephone 2” menu33.

A device according to the invention processes outgoing calls inaccordance with a Communication Line Use Priority (CLUP) setting. TheCLUP establishes a priority in which communication lines are accessed bya device. FIG. 3 shows an outgoing call software setup screen and theoptions available for each device. The settings work in the followingmanner: If Device 1's CLUP is set for “1” to “2”, as shown in a firstline priority 40, and Device 1 requests a line, then a system accordingto the invention connects Device 1 communication line 1, if available.If line 1 is unavailable or is in use by another device, then a systemaccording to the invention connects Device 1 to communication line 2, ifavailable. If the line connection is unsuccessful, the invention can beset to repeat the CLUP sequence or stop after the first attempt. Themenu options can include different line combinations, attempts for oneline only, line seizing regardless of activity, and no line access.

In a second line priority 41, a line request by Device 1 will beconnected to line 2 if available, and then to line 1, if available. In athird line priority 42, Device 1 will only be connected to line 1. In afourth line priority 43, Device 1 will only be connected to line 2. In afifth line priority 44, Device 1 will seize line 1, and line 1 will bewithdrawn from availability for other devices until the CLUP for Device1 is subsequently changed. In a sixth line priority 45, Device 1 willseize line 2, and line 2 will be withdrawn from availability for otherdevices until the CLUP for Device 1 is subsequently changed. In aseventh line priority 46, no line priority is provided for Device 1.

Line priority settings may be provided for other devices using theoutgoing call setup screen. Thus line priorities may be assigned usingDevice 2 line priorities 50-56, Telephony line priorities 60-66, andModem line priorities 70-76.

A system according to the invention may process incoming calls inaccordance with a Device Order (DO) setting. The DO establishes theorder in which the devices are signaled by a communications line. FIG. 4shows an incoming call software setup screen and the options that may beprovided for each line. The settings work in the following manner: Thedevice listed on top is the device that is rung first. The device listedbelow the first is rung second, and so forth. Therefore, if Line 1's DOis set for “Tel Base 1” 100 and “Device 3” 101 and the Ring to Transfer(RTT) is set for “3” 103 and “0” 104, respectively, and a call comes inon Line 1, a system according to the invention will connect Line 1 toTel Base 1, if available, for 3 rings. If Tel Base 1 is in use or didnot respond by the third ring, the invention will connect Line 1 toDevice 3 for the remaining rings. The devices available for a connectionare shown in a selection box 105. Note that when the RTT is set to “0”,rings will not transfer to another device. Thus, a selection area 102for a third device shows “None.”

Optionally, the invention can be fitted with a discrimination circuitthat can detect the type of call and automatically route thecommunication line to the corresponding DO. In an embodiment of theinvention, a system may handle three types of calls: voice, data andfacsimile (“fax”). DO for a data call is shown in a selection area 107,and DO for a fax call is shown in a selection area 108. In an embodimentof the invention, the same devices may be available to handle the aboveincoming call that are available for a voice call, as shown in a devicelist 106. A system according to the invention may be fitted with ringsimulation circuitry that probes the devices in the DO after the type ofcall is detected.

The efficiency and flexibility of the invention is dependent on thenumber of communication lines connected to it. If four standard PSTNlines are connected to the invention, then four connected devices canoperate simultaneously. If the number of PSTN lines drops to two, thenonly two operations can be conducted simultaneously. It should be notedthat even with two communication lines the invention still improves lineutilization due to the CLUP and DO settings. However, more communicationlines provide better efficiency and flexibility. In one embodiment ofthe invention, digital communication lines may be used, such as DSL orADSL. Such a digital line can provide several logical communicationchannels through one physical line.

Communications over a digital line may require the transmission ofaccount numbers and passwords in order to access telecommunicationservices and other services. FIG. 6 shows a communication lineinformation setup screen according to the invention. For each lineavailable, information specific to that line may be provided. A lineidentifier is provided, such as “Line 1” 200, “Line 2” 204, “Line 3”208, and “Line 4” 212. More or less lines may be listed, according tothe number of lines available to the system, or the line capacity of thedevice. As shown for “Line 1” 200, a telephone number 201 is provided. Afield for an account number 202 and an access code 203 are alsoprovided, however, as shown in FIG. 6, no such information is includedfor Line 1. Line 2 also has fields for a telephone number 205, anaccount number 206, and an access code 207. Line 3 may be a digital linewhich does not have a telephone number, as seen in a telephone numberfield 209, but Line 3 does include an account number 210 and an accesscode 211. Line 4 similarly has fields for a telephone number 213, andaccount number 214, and an access code 215. As shown in FIG. 6, Line 4also has an account number and an access code, but no telephone number.

A device according to the invention may include circuitry to performanalog-to-digital and digital-to-analog signal processing as needed.Such signal conversions may be used to allow a PSTN (analog) compatibledevice to operate over a digital communications line. For example, suchsignal conversions would permit a PSTN-compatible fax machine tocommunicate over a digital ISDN line. The setup shown in FIG. 2 may beused to specify appropriate signal conversions for the connected devicesand communication lines.

A device according to the invention can be fitted with modem likecircuitry to provide the user with access to the Internet. This modemfunction is identified in FIGS. 3 and 4 as “OB Modem” (On Board Modem).Some modems process analog signals. A modem according to the principlesof the invention will be able to process analog or digital signals. Adevice according to the invention may include a socket so that acommunications chip can be upgraded as necessary. Additionally, a deviceaccording to the invention can be provided with flash memory hardware sothat upgrades can be performed via software or the Internet. Optionally,the invention can perform fax modem functions.

FIG. 7 shows a device 201 according to the invention fitted with aRemote Unit (RU) 205 to enable wireless or cellular communications. Forwireless communications, the RU 205 communicates with the CommunicationLine Control Unit (CLCU) 206 via digital, signals through the air. TheCLCU 206 is connected to digital or analog communication lines in aphysically convenient location. For cellular communications, the RU 205communicates through the air to a cellular network. The wireless andcellular configurations provide the invention with communication linesthat are wire free and allow the user to relocate the computer systemand other office equipment (the connected devices) without having torewire the communication lines. Optionally, the RU can provideadditional space to connect more devices 204. Optionally, the RU canconnect to the peripheral card 201 via a connection 203, such as aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) connection, with a connection point 200physically adapted to the connection 203. Optionally, the RU can be madeas an internal device or manufactured onto the peripheral card 201.

The benefits of the wireless configuration can be greatly expanded bythe integration of a wireless phone system into the RU. Thecommunication lines used by the wireless phones can be controlled by theCLUP and DO. This configuration provides the office environment with thebest efficiency and flexibility of operations.

A device according to the invention can be controlled by an on boardmicroprocessor or the microprocessor of the host machine. FIG. 5 shows aperipheral card 163 with an on board microprocessor 150 and interfacecircuitry 154, 155, and 156, a signal conversion system 152, voice/videocommunications circuitry 153, and data communications circuitry 151,which may operate to provide the functions described herein. Theinvention is shown on a peripheral card 163 that includes a computerinterface and connection 162, which may be adapated to a computer bussuch as an ISA, EISA, PCI, or other bus or connection type. A deviceaccording to the invention may also be configured as an externalperipheral device connected to the computer via a serial or parallelport, universal serial bus (USB), or other connection.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferredembodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications andimprovements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention isto be limited only by the following claims.

1. An apparatus for routing digital and analog data signals call trafficamong a plurality of telecommunication devices over a networkcomprising: a network interface for connection to a local area network;a discrimination circuit for detecting and identifying an input datasignal, wherein the input data signal is at least one of an analogsignal and a digital signal; a wireless interface, connected to thediscrimination circuit, wherein the wireless interface communicates bothdigital and analog data signals plurality of wireless telecommunicationdevices; and a plurality of telephony interfaces, connected to thediscrimination circuit, for connecting a plurality of wirelinetelecommunication devices, wherein each of the plurality of telephonyinterfaces communicates both digital and analog data signals between theplurality of wireline telecommunication devices, wherein the apparatusroutes the digital and analog data signals between the network interfaceand the telephony and wireless interfaces for communication over thelocal area network.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof telephony interfaces comprise a plurality of jacks for connecting theplurality of wireline telecommunications devices.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the plurality of wireline telecommunications devicescomprise a plurality of PSTN compatible devices.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the plurality of PSTN compatible devices comprise atelephone.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofwireless telecommunication devices include wireless telephones.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an analog-to-digital conversioncircuit and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit for enabling thewireline and wireless telecommunications devices to communicate thedigital and analog data signals over the local area network.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the local area network is an Ethernetnetwork.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a modem circuitfor communicating over the Internet through the network interface. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the call traffic comprises voicetraffic and the apparatus further comprises a telephony circuit forcommunicating the analog data signals voice traffic through the networkinterface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fax circuitfor communicating the analog data signals call traffic through thenetwork interface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wirelessinterface is an antenna for sending and receiving the analog and digitaldata signals call traffic from the wireless telecommunications devices.12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising interface connectionsfor electrically connecting the apparatus to a computer bus in acomputer system.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising anupgradeable memory device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein theupgradeable memory device is upgradeable using software.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the network interface communicates with aPBX system.
 16. A system for routing analog and digital data signalscall traffic among a plurality of telecommunication devices over acellular network comprising: a switch comprising: a discriminationcircuit for detecting and identifying an input data signal, wherein theinput data signal is at least one of an analog signal and a digitalsignal; an antenna, for communicating with a plurality of cellulartelecommunication devices over the cellular network, wherein the antennacommunicates analog and digital data signals through the cellulartelecommunication devices; a wireless interface, connected to thediscrimination circuit, wherein the wireless interface communicates bothdigital and analog data signals between plurality of wirelesstelecommunication devices; and a plurality of telephony interfaces,connected to the discrimination circuit, for connecting a plurality ofwireline telecommunication devices, wherein each of the plurality oftelephony interfaces communicates both digital and analog data signalsbetween the plurality of wireline telecommunication devices, wherein theswitch routes the digital and analog data signals call traffic betweenthe antenna and the wireless and telephony interfaces.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the switch is a peripheral card for use in a computersystem.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the antenna is mounted to aremote unit that is physically separate from the switch and iselectrically connected to the switch by a wire line.
 19. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of wireless communication devicesinclude wireless telephones.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein theplurality of telephony interfaces are compatible with a PSTN network.21. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of telephonyinterfaces are compatible with digital telephone lines.
 22. A system forrouting analog and digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunication devices over wirelines comprising: a switchcomprising: a discrimination circuit for detecting and identifying aninput data signal, wherein the input data signal is at least one of ananalog signal and a digital signal; a first plurality of telephonyinterfaces, connected to the discrimination circuit, for connecting aplurality of wireline telecommunication devices, wherein each of theplurality of telephony interfaces communicates both digital and analogdata signals between the plurality of wireline telecommunicationdevices; and a wireless interface, connected to the discriminationcircuit, wherein the wireless interface communicates both digital andanalog data signals between plurality of wireless telecommunicationdevices; a first remote unit, in electrical communication with theswitch, wherein the first remote unit includes an antenna for wirelesscommunication; and a second remote unit, in wireless communication withthe first remote unit through the antenna, wherein the second remoteunit includes a second plurality of telephony interfaces for connectingat least one communication line, and wherein the second remote unitcommunicates both digital and analog data signals between the switch andthe communication line, through the first remote unit, wherein theswitch routes the digital and analog data signals from the firstplurality of wireline telecommunication devices and the wirelesstelecommunication devices to the at least one communication line, andwherein the switch is a peripheral card electrically connected to acomputer bus in a computer system.
 23. The system of claim 22, whereinthe plurality of wireless communication devices include wirelesstelephones.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the first and secondplurality of telephony interfaces are compatible with a PSTN network.25. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one communication lineis a digital telephone line.
 26. An apparatus for routing digital datasignals among a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network,the apparatus comprising: a network interface for connection to at leastone network communication line, wherein the network interface receivesdigital data signals over the at least one network communication line,the digital data signals comprising at least one voice signal; adiscrimination circuit connected to the network interface for detectingincoming voice signals from among other digital data signals; a wirelessinterface, wherein the wireless interface communicates the digital datasignals between a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices; anda processor for executing instructions to route the digital data signalsbetween the network interface, the wireless interface, and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over thenetwork, wherein the processor is further operative to executeinstructions to: process a plurality of digital communication sessions;and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communication sessionsusing data transmission codes.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, whereinthe plurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at leastone telephone handset.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprisinga circuit for routing voice communication sessions to specifictelecommunications devices.
 29. The apparatus of claim 26 furthercomprising configuration software which configures routing of voicecommunication sessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one networkcommunication line is part of an Ethernet network.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 26, wherein the at least one network communication line is part ofa local area network.
 32. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the atleast one network communication line is part of a Cable network.
 33. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the at least one network communicationline is part of a digital subscriber line network.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 26, wherein the at least one network communication line is part ofa fiber optic network.
 35. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network, theapparatus comprising: a network interface for connection to at least onenetwork communication line, wherein the network interface receivesdigital data signals over the at least one network communication line,the digital data signals comprising at least one voice signal; adiscrimination circuit connected to the network interface for detectingincoming voice signals from among other digital data signals; a wirelessinterface, wherein the wireless interface communicates the digital datasignals between a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices; anda processor for executing instructions to route the digital data signalsbetween the network interface, the wireless interface, and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over thenetwork; and a circuit for routing voice communication sessions tospecific telecommunications devices.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35,wherein the processor is further operative to execute instructions to:process a plurality of digital communication sessions; and distinguisheach of the plurality of digital communication sessions using datatransmission codes.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35 further comprisingconfiguration software which configures routing of voice communicationsessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.
 38. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least one network communicationline is part of an Ethernet network.
 39. The apparatus of claim 35,wherein the at least one network communication line is part of a localarea network.
 40. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least onenetwork communication line is part of a Cable network.
 41. The apparatusof claim 35, wherein the at least one network communication line is partof a digital subscriber line network.
 42. The apparatus of claim 35,wherein the at least one network communication line is part of a fiberoptic network.
 43. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices comprise at least one telephonehandset.
 44. An apparatus for routing digital data signals among aplurality of telecommunications devices over a network, the apparatuscomprising: a network interface for connection to at least one networkcommunication line, wherein the network interface receives digital datasignals over the at least one network communication line, the digitaldata signals comprising at least one voice signal; a discriminationcircuit connected to the network interface for detecting incoming voicesignals from among other digital data signals; a wireless interface,wherein the wireless interface communicates the digital data signalsbetween a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices; and aprocessor for executing instructions to route the digital data signalsbetween the network interface, the wireless interface, and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over thenetwork; and configuration software which configures routing of voicecommunication sessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 46. The apparatusof claim 45 further comprising a circuit for routing voice communicationsessions to specific telecommunications devices.
 47. The apparatus ofclaim 45, wherein the at least one network communication line is part ofan Ethernet network.
 48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the at leastone network communication line is part of a local area network.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the at least one network communicationline is part of a Cable network.
 50. The apparatus of claim 45, whereinthe at least one network communication line is part of a digitalsubscriber line network.
 51. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the atleast one network communication line is part of a fiber optic network.52. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 53.An apparatus for routing digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunications devices over a network, the apparatus comprising: anetwork interface for connection to at least one network communicationline, wherein the network interface receives digital data signals overthe at least one network communication line, the digital data signalscomprising at least one voice signal, wherein the at least one networkcommunication line is part of an Ethernet network; a discriminationcircuit connected to the network interface for detecting incoming voicesignals from among other digital data signals; a wireless interface,wherein the wireless interface communicates the digital data signalsbetween a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices; and aprocessor for executing instructions to route the digital data signalsbetween the network interface, the wireless interface, and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over thenetwork.
 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 55. The apparatusof claim 53 further comprising a circuit for routing voice communicationsessions to specific telecommunications devices.
 56. The apparatus ofclaim 53 further comprising configuration software which configuresrouting of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 57. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 58. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the processoris further operative to execute instructions to: process a plurality ofdigital communication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality ofdigital communication sessions using data transmission codes.
 59. Theapparatus of claim 46 further comprising a circuit for routing voicecommunication sessions to specific telecommunications devices.
 60. Theapparatus of claim 46 further comprising configuration software whichconfigures routing of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 61. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 62. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network, theapparatus comprising: a network interface for connection to at least onenetwork communication line, wherein the network interface receivesdigital data signals over the at least one network communication line,the digital data signals comprising at least one voice signal, whereinthe at least one network communication line is part of a Cable network;a discrimination circuit connected to the network interface fordetecting incoming voice signals from among other digital data signals;a wireless interface, wherein the wireless interface communicates thedigital data signals between a plurality of wireless telecommunicationsdevices; and a processor for executing instructions to route the digitaldata signals between the network interface, the wireless interface, andthe plurality of wireless telecommunications devices for communicationover the network.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the processoris further operative to execute instructions to: process a plurality ofdigital communication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality ofdigital communication sessions using data transmission codes.
 64. Theapparatus of claim 62 further comprising a circuit for routing voicecommunication sessions to specific telecommunications devices.
 65. Theapparatus of claim 62 further comprising configuration software whichconfigures routing of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 66. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 67. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network, theapparatus comprising: a network interface for connection to at least onenetwork communication line, wherein the network interface receivesdigital data signals over the at least one network communication line,the digital data signals comprising at least one voice signal, whereinthe at least one network communication line is part of a digitalsubscriber line network; a discrimination circuit connected to thenetwork interface for detecting incoming voice signals from among otherdigital data signals; a wireless interface, wherein the wirelessinterface communicates the digital data signals between a plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices; and a processor for executinginstructions to route the digital data signals between the networkinterface, the wireless interface, and the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices for communication over the network.
 68. Theapparatus of claim 67, wherein the processor is further operative toexecute instructions to: process a plurality of digital communicationsessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communicationsessions using data transmission codes.
 69. The apparatus of claim 67further comprising a circuit for routing voice communication sessions tospecific telecommunications devices.
 70. The apparatus of claim 67further comprising configuration software which configures routing ofvoice communication sessions to the plurality of telecommunicationsdevices.
 71. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices comprise at least one telephonehandset.
 72. An apparatus for routing digital data signals among aplurality of telecommunications devices over a network, the apparatuscomprising: a network interface for connection to at least one networkcommunication line, wherein the network interface receives digital datasignals over the at least one network communication line, the digitaldata signals comprising at least one voice signal, wherein the at leastone network communication line is part of a fiber optic network; adiscrimination circuit connected to the network interface for detectingincoming voice signals from among other digital data signals; a wirelessinterface, wherein the wireless interface communicates the digital datasignals between a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices; anda processor for executing instructions to route the digital data signalsbetween the network interface, the wireless interface, and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over thenetwork.
 73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 74. The apparatusof claim 72 further comprising a circuit for routing voice communicationsessions to specific telecommunications devices.
 75. The apparatus ofclaim 72 further comprising configuration software which configuresrouting of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 76. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 77. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunication devices over a first network anda second network, the apparatus comprising: a first network interfacefor wireless communications with the first network; a discriminationcircuit connected to the first network interface for detecting incomingvoice digital data transmissions from among other data transmissions; asecond network interface, wherein the second network interfacecommunicates digital data signals between a plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices over the second network; and a processor forexecuting instructions for routing the digital data signals between thefirst network interface, the second network interface and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over the firstand second networks, wherein the processor is further operative toexecute instructions to: process a plurality of digital communicationsessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communicationsessions using data transmission codes.
 78. The apparatus of claim 77further comprising a circuit for routing voice communication sessions tospecific telecommunications devices, wherein the specifictelecommunications devices are specified by configuration software. 79.The apparatus of claim 77 further comprising configuration softwarewhich configures routing of voice communication sessions to theplurality of telecommunications devices.
 80. The apparatus of claim 77,wherein the first network comprises a cellular network.
 81. Theapparatus of claim 77, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 82.An apparatus for routing digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunication devices over a first network and a second network, theapparatus comprising: a first network interface for wirelesscommunications with the first network; a discrimination circuitconnected to the first network interface for detecting incoming voicedigital data transmissions from among other data transmissions; a secondnetwork interface, wherein the second network interface communicatesdigital data signals between a plurality of wireless telecommunicationsdevices over the second network; and a processor for executinginstructions for routing the digital data signals between the firstnetwork interface, the second network interface and the plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices for communication over the first andsecond networks; and a circuit for routing voice communication sessionsto specific telecommunications devices, wherein the specifictelecommunications devices are specified by configuration software. 83.The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the processor is further operative toexecute instructions to: process a plurality of digital communicationsessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communicationsessions using data transmission codes.
 84. The apparatus of claim 82further comprising configuration software which configures routing ofvoice communication sessions to the plurality of telecommunicationsdevices.
 85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the first networkcomprises a cellular network.
 86. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 87. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunication devices over a first network anda second network, the apparatus comprising: a first network interfacefor wireless communications with the first network; a discriminationcircuit connected to the first network interface for detecting incomingvoice digital data transmissions from among other data transmissions; asecond network interface, wherein the second network interfacecommunicates digital data signals between a plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices over the second network; and a processor forexecuting instructions for routing the digital data signals between thefirst network interface, the second network interface and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over the firstand second networks; and configuration software which configures routingof voice communication sessions to the plurality of telecommunicationsdevices.
 88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 89. The apparatusof claim 87 further comprising a circuit for routing voice communicationsessions to specific telecommunications devices, wherein the specifictelecommunications devices are specified by configuration software. 90.The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the first network comprises acellular network.
 91. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least one telephonehandset.
 92. An apparatus for routing digital data signals among aplurality of telecommunications devices over a network, the apparatuscomprising: a first assembly comprising a processor; a first wirelessinterface (RU) connected to the first assembly for communicating digitaldata signals; a second assembly comprising a network interface forconnecting a communication line, wherein the network interface receivesthe digital data signals from the network communication line; a secondwireless interface (CLCU) connected to the second assembly forcommunicating the digital data signals to the first wireless interface;a discrimination circuit connected to at least one of the first assemblyand the second assembly for detecting incoming voice digital datasignals from among other data signals; a third wireless interfaceconnected to the first assembly for communicating the digital datasignals between a plurality of wireless telecommunications devices,wherein the processor executes instructions for routing the digital datasignals between the first wireless interface, the second wirelessinterface, the third wireless interface, and the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices for communications over the network; and acircuit for routing voice communication sessions to specifictelecommunications devices, wherein the specific telecommunicationsdevices are specified by configuration software.
 93. The apparatus ofclaim 92, wherein the processor is further operative to executeinstructions to: process a plurality of digital communication sessions;and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communication sessionsusing data transmission codes.
 94. The apparatus of claim 92 furthercomprising configuration software which configures routing of voicecommunication sessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.95. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the network communication line ispart of an Ethernet network.
 96. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein thenetwork communication line is part of a local area network.
 97. Theapparatus of claim 92, wherein the network communication line is part ofa Cable network.
 98. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of a digital subscriber line network.
 99. Theapparatus of claim 92, wherein the network communication line is part ofa fiber optic network.
 100. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 101. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network, theapparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a processor; a firstwireless interface (RU) connected to the first assembly forcommunicating digital data signals; a second assembly comprising anetwork interface for connecting a communication line, wherein thenetwork interface receives the digital data signals from the networkcommunication line; a second wireless interface (CLCU) connected to thesecond assembly for communicating the digital data signals to the firstwireless interface; a discrimination circuit connected to at least oneof the first assembly and the second assembly for detecting incomingvoice digital data signals from among other data signals; a thirdwireless interface connected to the first assembly for communicating thedigital data signals between a plurality of wireless telecommunicationsdevices, wherein the processor executes instructions for routing thedigital data signals between the first wireless interface, the secondwireless interface, the third wireless interface, and the plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices for communications over the network;and configuration software which configures routing of voicecommunication sessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 103. The apparatusof claim 101 further comprising a circuit for routing voicecommunication sessions to specific telecommunications devices, whereinthe specific telecommunications devices are specified by configurationsoftware.
 104. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of an Ethernet network.
 105. The apparatus ofclaim 101, wherein the network communication line is part of a localarea network.
 106. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of a Cable network.
 107. The apparatus ofclaim 101, wherein the network communication line is part of a digitalsubscriber line network.
 108. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein thenetwork communication line is part of a fiber optic network.
 109. Theapparatus of claim 101, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 110.An apparatus for routing digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunications devices over a network, the apparatus comprising: afirst assembly comprising a processor; a first wireless interface (RU)connected to the first assembly for communicating digital data signals;a second assembly comprising a network interface for connecting acommunication line, wherein the network interface receives the digitaldata signals from the network communication line, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of an Ethernet network; a second wirelessinterface (CLCU) connected to the second assembly for communicating thedigital data signals to the first wireless interface; a discriminationcircuit connected to at least one of the first assembly and the secondassembly for detecting incoming voice digital data signals from amongother data signals; a third wireless interface connected to the firstassembly for communicating the digital data signals between a pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices, wherein the processor executesinstructions for routing the digital data signals between the firstwireless interface, the second wireless interface, the third wirelessinterface, and the plurality of wireless telecommunications devices forcommunications over the network.
 111. The apparatus of claim 110,wherein the processor is further operative to execute instructions to:process a plurality of digital communication sessions; and distinguisheach of the plurality of digital communication sessions using datatransmission codes.
 112. The apparatus of claim 110 further comprising acircuit for routing voice communication sessions to specifictelecommunications devices, wherein the specific telecommunicationsdevices are specified by configuration software.
 113. The apparatus ofclaim 110 further comprising configuration software which configuresrouting of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 114. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 115. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunications devices over a network, theapparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a processor; a firstwireless interface (RU) connected to the first assembly forcommunicating digital data signals; a second assembly comprising anetwork interface for connecting a communication line, wherein thenetwork interface receives the digital data signals from the networkcommunication line, wherein the network communication line is part of alocal area network; a second wireless interface (CLCU) connected to thesecond assembly for communicating the digital data signals to the firstwireless interface; a discrimination circuit connected to at least oneof the first assembly and the second assembly for detecting incomingvoice digital data signals from among other data signals; a thirdwireless interface connected to the first assembly for communicating thedigital data signals between a plurality of wireless telecommunicationsdevices, wherein the processor executes instructions for routing thedigital data signals between the first wireless interface, the secondwireless interface, the third wireless interface, and the plurality ofwireless telecommunications devices for communications over the network.116. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to execute instructions to: process a plurality of digitalcommunication sessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digitalcommunication sessions using data transmission codes.
 117. The apparatusof claim 115 further comprising a circuit for routing voicecommunication sessions to specific telecommunications devices, whereinthe specific telecommunications devices are specified by configurationsoftware.
 118. The apparatus of claim 115 further comprisingconfiguration software which configures routing of voice communicationsessions to the plurality of telecommunications devices.
 119. Theapparatus of claim 115, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 120.An apparatus for routing digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunications devices over a network, the apparatus comprising: afirst assembly comprising a processor; a first wireless interface (RU)connected to the first assembly for communicating digital data signals;a second assembly comprising a network interface for connecting acommunication line, wherein the network interface receives the digitaldata signals from the network communication line, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of a Cable network; a second wirelessinterface (CLCU) connected to the second assembly for communicating thedigital data signals to the first wireless interface; a discriminationcircuit connected to at least one of the first assembly and the secondassembly for detecting incoming voice digital data signals from amongother data signals; a third wireless interface connected to the firstassembly for communicating the digital data signals between a pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices, wherein the processor executesinstructions for routing the digital data signals between the firstwireless interface, the second wireless interface, the third wirelessinterface, and the plurality of wireless telecommunications devices forcommunications over the network.
 121. An apparatus for routing digitaldata signals among a plurality of telecommunication devices over a firstnetwork and a second network, the apparatus comprising: a first networkinterface for wireless communications with the first network; adiscrimination circuit connected to the first network interface fordetecting incoming voice digital data transmissions from among otherdata transmissions; a second network interface, wherein the secondnetwork interface communicates digital data signals between a pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices over the second network; and aprocessor for executing instructions for routing the digital datasignals between the first network interface, the second networkinterface and the plurality of wireless telecommunications devices forcommunication over the first and second networks, wherein the firstnetwork comprises a cellular network.
 122. The apparatus of claim 121,wherein the processor is further operative to execute instructions to:process a plurality of digital communication sessions; and distinguisheach of the plurality of digital communication sessions using datatransmission codes.
 123. The apparatus of claim 121 further comprising acircuit for routing voice communication sessions to specifictelecommunications devices, wherein the specific telecommunicationsdevices are specified by configuration software.
 124. The apparatus ofclaim 121 further comprising configuration software which configuresrouting of voice communication sessions to the plurality oftelecommunications devices.
 125. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein theplurality of wireless telecommunications devices comprise at least onetelephone handset.
 126. An apparatus for routing digital data signalsamong a plurality of telecommunication devices over a first network anda second network, the apparatus comprising: a first network interfacefor wireless communications with the first network; a discriminationcircuit connected to the first network interface for detecting incomingvoice digital data transmissions from among other data transmissions; asecond network interface, wherein the second network interfacecommunicates digital data signals between a plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices over the second network; and a processor forexecuting instructions for routing the digital data signals between thefirst network interface, the second network interface and the pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices for communication over the firstand second networks, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 127.The apparatus of claim 126, wherein the processor is further operativeto execute instructions to: process a plurality of digital communicationsessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communicationsessions using data transmission codes.
 128. The apparatus of claim 126further comprising a circuit for routing voice communication sessions tospecific telecommunications devices, wherein the specifictelecommunications devices are specified by configuration software. 129.The apparatus of claim 126 further comprising configuration softwarewhich configures routing of voice communication sessions to theplurality of telecommunications devices.
 130. The apparatus of claim126, wherein the first network comprises a cellular network.
 131. Anapparatus for routing digital data signals among a plurality oftelecommunications devices over a network, the apparatus comprising: afirst assembly comprising a processor; a first wireless interface (RU)connected to the first assembly for communicating digital data signals;a second assembly comprising a network interface for connecting acommunication line, wherein the network interface receives the digitaldata signals from the network communication line; a second wirelessinterface (CLCU) connected to the second assembly for communicating thedigital data signals to the first wireless interface; a discriminationcircuit connected to at least one of the first assembly and the secondassembly for detecting incoming voice digital data signals from amongother data signals; a third wireless interface connected to the firstassembly for communicating the digital data signals between a pluralityof wireless telecommunications devices, wherein the processor executesinstructions for routing the digital data signals between the firstwireless interface, the second wireless interface, the third wirelessinterface, and the plurality of wireless telecommunications devices forcommunications over the network, wherein the plurality of wirelesstelecommunications devices comprise at least one telephone handset. 132.The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the processor is further operativeto execute instructions to: process a plurality of digital communicationsessions; and distinguish each of the plurality of digital communicationsessions using data transmission codes.
 133. The apparatus of claim 131further comprising a circuit for routing voice communication sessions tospecific telecommunications devices, wherein the specifictelecommunications devices are specified by configuration software. 134.The apparatus of claim 131 further comprising configuration softwarewhich configures routing of voice communication sessions to theplurality of telecommunications devices.
 135. The apparatus of claim131, wherein the network communication line is part of an Ethernetnetwork.
 136. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of a local area network.
 137. The apparatusof claim 131, wherein the network communication line is part of a Cablenetwork.
 138. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the networkcommunication line is part of a digital subscriber line network. 139.The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the network communication line ispart of a fiber optic network.